The noise inside Korakuen Hall hasn't faded yet. The last fight ends in a decision, gloves raised, corner men climbing through the ropes. The crowd claps in that tired and satisfied rhythm that comes when everyone knows the night's almost over.
Moments later, the announcer's voice echoes through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending the 2015 Tokyo Block Rookie of the Year Tournament! Please stay for the award presentation ceremony!"
The ring lights flare again. Sweat still glistens on the canvas like spilled glass. Photographers move into position. Some fans rise from their seats, phones up, still riding the adrenaline from the fights earlier.
Four young boxers step through the ropes, each carrying the marks of their battles, bandaged hands, swollen faces, stiff movements. They line up side by side beneath the bright lights, trying to smile through exhaustion.
